As the President – Middle East & Africa of Acanceon, Sarmad Mahmood Qureshi has driven business growth and digital transformation for industries and utilities through process automation and smart controls.
As a skilled sales specialist with an MBA and Electrical Engineering background, Sarmad has leveraged digitization, IIoT, AR, and Big Data to deliver measurable successes. Avanceon has grown from a startup to a $100M entity, becoming one of the leading regional engineering and automation companies, serving prominent Oil & Gas, Infrastructure, Transportation, and Water clients.
Early Life And Educational Background
As President of Avanceon, Sarmad Mahmood Qureshi has been instrumental in steering the company’s global expansion, particularly in the Middle East and Africa. His leadership has enabled Avanceon to establish a strong presence across four countries, fostering business growth and development through strategic divisional expansion.
Sarmad Mahmood Qureshi adds, “Our skilled engineering force of over 150 professionals has successfully delivered more than 1,000 projects of varying sizes and complexities. My journey began with a degree in Electrical Engineering, followed by an MBA. An early interest in customer engagement, technology, and innovation has shaped my career. Since 1998, I’ve been dedicated to the growth of Avanceon, particularly in enhancing our operations throughout the Middle East.”
More About Avanceon
As a leading international provider of industrial automation and control solutions, Avanceon operates at the forefront of innovation in sectors such as oil and gas, infrastructure, transportation, and water. The company’s strategic expansion across the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Africa has transformed it from a startup into a thriving $50 million company, delivering state-of-the-art technologies that drive digital transformation and operational excellence for its esteemed clients.
“Looking ahead, Avanceon plans to deepen its investments in advanced technologies such as IIoT, cloud solutions, and AI, focusing on end-to-end automation and digitization solutions while exploring new markets across Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia.” Sarmad shares.
On Being A Successful Leader
At Avanceon, everyone including Sarmad, believes in a collective effort that is by the teams and for the teams. He shares that the talented team is united by a strategic vision from the leadership and empowered by innovative digital tools to monitor, steward, and implement strategies. He adds, “Successful leaders in our industry need a blend of vision, resilience, and a solid understanding of technology and business.
Empathy, drive, and effective communication are essential for managing teams and building client relationships. Additionally, adaptability is crucial in navigating the fast-paced changes we see, while strategic critical thinking enables leaders to implement new business models effectively.”
Embracing Digital Transformation
Digital evolution has been redefining the business landscape. He shares, “Understanding the pain points of our customers and their process deficiencies is essential. Avanceon has embraced the digital revolution wholeheartedly, focusing on integrating technologies like IoT, cloud solutions, and big data into our operations.
We aim to streamline processes and enhance efficiency for our clients. We’re also investing in future technologies such as AI, digital twins, smart assets, and machine learning, positioning ourselves to help industries overcome digital challenges.”
Message To Beginners
Aspiring professionals in this field will find it extremely helpful to hear from an industry expert like Sarmad Mahmood Qureshi. He believes that it is important to lead by example, build relationships, be adaptable, and maintain a strategic vision with consistency. Sarmad Mahmood Qureshi adds, “For anyone beginning their journey in this field, building a strong foundation in both technical skills and business strategy is essential, particularly in aligning with cash flows.”
Emphasizing the aspect of continuous learning, Sarmad further adds, “Stay curious, be open to continuous learning, and adapt to new technologies. Understand that without building a team of dedicated and focused individuals, it’s challenging to bring about change. Learn to delegate, trust your teams, and involve them in the strategy. Developing an understanding of client needs and nurturing long-term relationships will be vital for your growth in this industry.”
Follow Sarmad Mahmood Qureshi on LinkedIn.
Find Avanceon on LinkedIn and visit their website http://avanceon.ae/
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